Brave Community Theatre to hold gala fundraiser event Nov. 3

Brave Community Theatre (BCT) will be holding a gala fundraiser event on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Root River Country Club south of Spring Valley from 6 to 8 p.m.

BCT Director Debi Neville said this is the organization's first official fundraiser ever, according to her knowledge.

"BCT is one of the oldest self-supporting community theatres in Minnesota. What that means is we rely strictly on the proceeds of one show to fund the next," she said. "We are not subsidized by the city, an individual, a business or consistent grant money."

Neville said BCT's new focus will be on bringing a theatrical experience to children of Spring Valley and the area. "Our goal is affordable classes for ages 4 to 18 next summer culminating in a production. This will be in addition to our 'regularly scheduled show' in conjunction with Ag Days."

Entertainment during the gala event will include a walk through memory lane that will revisit some of the favorite songs from musicals BCT has performed. Some of these songs are from "Fiddler on the Roof," "Robber Bridegroom," "Hello Dolly," "Nunsense," "Sweet Charity," "Radio Gals," "Wildcat," "Music Man," and "Paint Your Wagon."

Neville added, "The fast-paced review will be preceded by a bit of comedy and augmented with a bit of dance."

Neville said guests may be able to take home "some wonderful items" if they have a winning bid during the silent auction.

"Instead of asking businesses for donations, we have tapped into the creative minds of some of our past actors and audience members," she shared.

Maria Kujawa, who is helping plan the event, added, "We are holding a silent auction, as well as accepting donations to ensure that BCT can remain a strong theatrical presence in our area for years to come.

"We are suggesting $40 in honor of our 40 years, but any amount is certainly appreciated."

Kujawa said those who are not able to donate financially are also welcome to come and connect with BCT, "as it takes many volunteers to make each production possible."

"Time and talents of our supporters is a precious commodity to our organization!" Kujawa added.

Neville noted, "The value of community theatre is proven to be substantial. It increases the quality of living, enhances the over-all perception of the community, brings new people to town, and actually contributes significantly to the economics of the city."

"Our most recent busy year of three shows is a perfect example of this. 'A Common Thread,' 'Fade to Black,' and 'Paint Your Wagon' have recorded proof of the positive publicity and specific local spending that was affiliated with each of the shows!"

Some of the items on the silent auction include a handmade quilt, a basket with "Hot Reads for Cold Nights" featuring books by local authors, a Thanksgiving cornucopia, a beauty basket, something for barbecue lovers, handmade hats and scarves, the fixings for a romantic evening, a delivered to your door Thanksgiving dinner, a garden delight and many more items.

Tickets are $10 for the event, which includes an appetizer buffet, the entertainment described above and attendance to the silent auction. They can be purchased at Sunshine Foods in Spring Valley or from any BCT board member. Board members are Kujawa, Neville, Rita Hartert, Linda Niemeyer, Jeff Thauwald, Sharanne Calabrese, and Carol Gross.

Neville concluded, "The $10 ticket for the night is a real bargain! It helps BCT, and we guarantee a great night of excellent food and terrific entertainment ... now where can you get a better deal than that?"

For inquiries, email bctsvmn@gmail.com or call Kujawa at 507-429-5457.